Romancing the Heiress(6)
Author: Darcy Burke
Exhaling, Leah made her way downstairs. She truly hoped Genevieve would become betrothed this week. Then, Leah could find a new position far away from Mrs. Selkirk.
When Leah stepped into the sitting room, Sadie was already there. Standing near the window facing the yard, she looked the same as Leah always remembered her—a ready smile, warm green eyes that often crinkled with laughter, her average-sized frame coiled with boundless energy. However, her light brown hair was slightly different. Her simple style had been replaced with a more elegant presentation, complete with a pearl comb. There was also an indescribable light within Sadie that hadn’t been there before. Leah would guess that was a result of motherhood.
Sadie hurried toward her, and they embraced. “I’m so happy to see you,” she said near Leah’s ear.
When they parted, Leah grinned at her. “You are radiant.”
“Am I? I was afraid I looked exhausted.”
Leah arched a brow at her. “Can you even become exhausted? I didn’t think that was possible.”
Laughing, Sadie went to the table. “I didn’t think so either, but I’ve never had a baby before.”
“You’re happy, though?” Leah, asked, taking her seat.
“Astonishingly. And that’s with a terrible lack of sleep.” Sadie poured and prepared their tea with milk and sugar. “What about you? Last time we were together, you were still mourning Lady Norcott’s passing and you had a few reservations about your current arrangement.” Sadie glanced toward the doorway. “I’m going to go close that door.”
“Brilliant.” Leah didn’t want to chance Mrs. Selkirk overhearing their conversation. Surely some of Leah’s life could be private. She sipped her tea and put two of Mrs. Parker’s delicious spice cakes on her plate.
Sadie slid back into her chair, smoothing the skirt of her daffodil-colored gown. “I take it your concerns have not gone away?”
“Not entirely. This arrangement is not as…fulfilling as when I was with Lady Norcott.”
“There’s no need to be guarded with me,” Sadie said wryly, putting a few cakes on her own plate. “I know how happy you were with Lady Norcott. She truly cared for you as if you were a member of her family.”
She had indeed. Aside from ensuring Leah visited nearly every respectable park, garden, museum, library in London, Lady Norcott had also taken Leah to Bath, Brighton, and York. Leah had learned, seen, and experienced things she’d never imagined. But that wasn’t what Leah missed most. She missed the woman—her laugh, her witty comments, and above all, her generosity of spirit. In many ways, Lady Norcott had been the mother, or perhaps grandmother, Leah had never had.
“I didn’t expect working for Mrs. Selkirk as companion to her daughter to be the same,” Leah said. “But I also didn’t expect to feel as though I’m a hindrance. Mrs. Selkirk likes to remind me of how grateful I ought to be that I’m not working in the kitchen.”
“She must not realize how comfortable you are there,” Sadie said with a laugh.
Leah nodded as she swallowed a bite of cake. “Or how much I like the company of her cook and kitchen maids.”
“Have you considered seeking a different position?” Sadie asked.
“I have, but Mrs. Selkirk has made no secret of her desire that Genevieve wed with haste. I decided I could be patient since this position likely wouldn’t last more than a year.”
“But you are almost to the one-year anniversary, aren’t you?”
“In a fortnight or so, yes.”
“Is there any chance you would just stay here?” Sadie plucked up a cake and waved it toward Leah. “Of course you wouldn’t, and I fully understand why.” While she knew that Leah’s mother treated her poorly, she was not aware of the specifics—only Phin knew those. “I missed you dreadfully, of course, but I understand why you left. I would have too. And now that I live in London part of the year, we will get to see each other. Well, when I’m not giving birth, that is. And when your schedule allows.”
“I actually have more free time than one might expect, but Mrs. Selkirk keeps a tight rein on where I go. She likes to manage me.” It was a much different arrangement from what Leah had enjoyed with Lady Norcott. “Which is why she insisted you come here instead of my visiting you.”
Sadie snorted softly. “I’m sure if you told her you were invited by the Duchess of Lawford, she would have let you come. But I understand why you didn’t.”
“As soon as she learns you’re a duchess, she will infringe on our friendship. I wanted one last meeting before she sticks her nose in this week. Though, I desperately want to meet little Jerome.”
“You will. I’m sure I will bring him to an event or two this week, and we’ll simply have to find a way for you to visit—hopefully without your employer.” Sadie gave her a determined smile. “I’m sorry this position has not remotely lived up to the last one. That was such a boon, which you wholly deserved.” Because Leah had been desperate to find a way to leave home.
“Thank you for always understanding me, especially about my family and why remaining in Marrywell wasn’t an option.” There was one thing—rather, person—that could have convinced her to stay. But why would he have done so? They were only friends. And would she have stayed? Getting away from her family, particularly her mother, had made her happier than she’d ever been in her life. “As to my current situation, if Mrs. Selkirk gets her way, Genevieve will become betrothed this week, and then I’ll soon be free to seek new employment.”
Sadie picked up her teacup. “Splendid. If you like, I could try to determine if anyone is looking for a companion—covertly, of course. I would love for you to engage in a situation that is more agreeable to you.”
“I appreciate that.” Leah smiled warmly as Sadie sipped her tea. “Lady Norcott left me an excellent letter of reference, which I can also use.” Leah’s former employer had left the letter, two months’ wages, and five of her favorite books from her library. While Leah was grateful, she’d expected something more—only because Lady Norcott had assured Leah that she wouldn’t be forgotten—that she would be taken care of. But Leah was perhaps being silly. Lady Norcott had remembered her.
It was the “taken care of” part that puzzled Leah. But perhaps Lady Norcott had meant her current position as Genevieve’s companion. Except she had to have known that position wouldn’t last forever.